882.73/24: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France ( Sharp )

7526. Your 7245 February 15.

After reference to and approval of the Mission reply as follows to French Government. “The American Government holds that action in regard to former German Monroviar–Pernambuco cable presents two questions: (1) the control of the cable within the three mile limit and the landing and station at Monrovia, and (2) the disposition of the cable lying outside of the three mile limit. In regard to first, Liberia, as an independent and sovereign state, which status it is assumed that the French Government does [Page 526] not question, must make such decision as in her opinion corresponds to her best interests. The disposal of the cable station at Monrovia would likewise appear to be within the jurisdiction of the Liberian Government. In regard to the second, the American Government believes that the final disposition of all German cables seized by the Allies is a matter that should be determined by the Peace Conference. In respect to both the hope is profoundly entertained by the American Government that the Peace Conference will reach a determination regarding the common use of all media of international communication upon a complete equality as between the citizens of all governments that the landing of cables under the auspices of any particular company or nation will be a matter of relatively slight significance.” A copy of the foregoing should be referred to the Peace Mission with a reference to the Department cables to that Mission Numbers 728 and 729 of February 14.73 For your information this Department considers that the connection of the German cable with the French cable station at Monrovia would give French monopoly of Liberia cable communication.

Polk
  1. Neither printed.